Supernovae and gamma-ray bursts (introductory)
The solar system and stars · Physics
Solar system
Interactive 3DAll eight planets in orbit around the Sun, with Saturn's rings and Earth's Moon.
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Study notes
A star with a mass of 20 solar masses collapses. The core releases an energy of 10^46 Joules. If this energy is emitted as a gamma-ray burst over 10 seconds, calculate the average power output. Step 1: Identify the total energy (E) = 10^46 Joules. Step 2: Identify the time duration (t) = 10 seconds. Step 3: Use the formula for Power (P) = Energy / Time. Step 4: Calculation: P = 10^46 / 10 = 10^45 Watts. Conclusion: The average power output is 10^45 Watts, which is vastly greater than the power output of the Sun (approx 3.8 x 10^26 Watts).